Русская версияGreenpeace has uncovered scores of prohibited pesticides in German
fruits and vegetables, according to the online version of
Der
Spiegel
newsmagazine.
According to Greenpeace, 59 substances that are illegal in Germany
were found in fruits and vegetables for sale in the nation,
Spiegel
reported.
Three-quarters of the substances Greenpeace found are
considered harmful to both personal health and the environment. 21
of the pesticides detected are illegal in the entire EU.
The organization rated data provided by the Ministry of Consumer
Affairs and Food Safety in 2006 and compared it with the list of
accepted pesticides also provided by the government.
Cutting corners proves harmful
Bildunterschrift:
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:
Greenpeace accuses the government of failing to protect consumers
"In Germany famers are spraying illegal and highly dangerous
pesticides in unbelievable quantities," Greenpeace Chemical Expert
Manfred Krautter said. "Many of our farmers are operating a shady
business because they want to save money with the illegal
agricultural poison."
But Greenpeace isn't just reprimanding those who are directly using
the illegal chemicals in the fields. The government has also come
under fire, as the worldwide organization is accuses it ignorance
that will have incur long-term consequences.
Toxic substances kept under wraps
Bildunterschrift:
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:
Greenpeace has been drawing attention to harmful pesticides for
years
"It's a scandal that the highest German Food Standards Agency
doesn't research illegal pesticides," Krautter said. "And instead
of taking action against criminal farmers and retailers, the
Minister of Agriculture and the administration are cloaking the
problems in secrecy."
Published in February 2008, the "National Report on Food
Monitoring2 contains 14,942 foodstuffs complied by the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs and Food Safety. In 6,750 cases, the samples
either exceeded the legal amount of a specific pesticide or
contained a mix of several toxic substances. 2,176 of these
products came from Germany, with fresh herbs, potatoes and
raspberries containing the most illegal pesticides.
A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture said the
government is aware of the problem and is "actively dealing with
it," adding that the sale and use of illegal pesticides "must not
be tolerated."
(Deutsche Welle)
more info >>
<< Back